CASA Announces a New Hire and Two Staff Promotions

LANCASTER, PA (Oct 3, 2016) – Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Lancaster County is excited to announce the hiring of Melissa Leibig as the Director of Community Outreach and the promotions of Bonnie Northeimer to Administrative and Recruitment Assistant and Lisa Palmquist to Development Associate.

Melissa Leibig comes to CASA after serving for several years on the Board of Directors. "I'm honored to be part of the staff at CASA," she stated. “I couldn’t have a more rewarding career than advocating for the abused and neglected children in Lancaster County.” In her position, Ms. Leibig will focus on increasing awareness of CASA’s mission while working to increase and cultivate donor relations of CASA. Ms. Leibig, a graduate of Lebanon Valley College, previously worked in college admissions and brings with her honed communication and customer service skills. “We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Leibig to the team. Her ability to connect with community members and share CASA’s goals will help expand and elevate the organization as we move forward,” stated Jessica Laspino, CASA’s Executive Director.

Bonnie Northeimer first joined CASA in 2015 as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). “When Ms. Northeimer’s term of service ended we were excited to offer her a part-time position with CASA,” said Ms. Laspino. Ms. Northeimer is a graduate of Millersville University and prior to joining AmeriCorps worked for the Ephrata Performing Arts Center. Ms. Northeimer will assist CASA with daily operational functions as well as walking alongside potential volunteers as they complete their application and training process. “I’m glad to work for a nonprofit that advocates for abused and neglected children – it’s a noble cause,” stated Ms. Northeimer.

Lisa Palmquist is another returning face of CASA, as she originally joined the organization as a CASA Advocate in 2014. Though Ms. Palmquist still continues in advocacy, she has joined the staff as a part-time Development Associate, assisting with financial record keeping as well as facilitating CASA events. “Ms. Palmquist has offered her talents and skills to CASA since 2014 as an advocate, we are excited to have her join our team and continue bringing her passion to our work,” stated Ms. Laspino. “I joined CASA as an advocate because as a former educator, I often felt my hands were tied with at-risk students. I wanted to be able to make that difference in a child's life-even if it was just one! I am honored to have the opportunity to now join the team as a staff member,” stated Ms. Palmquist.

CASAs volunteer advocates are uniquely empowered to help children find permanent, loving homes because they are the only volunteers working inside the system who are directly appointed by a judge to represent the needs and best interests of the child in court. To learn how you can be a part of the CASA movement to make Lancaster County a place where every child grows up in a home free of abuse and neglect, contact us at (717) 208-3280 or casa@casalancaster.org.